A blog by Billy Mills

Emily Henrietta Hickey: Irish Woman Poet

Emily Henrietta Hickey (1845–1923) was born in Enniscorthy, Wexford and studied and later lectured in Cambridge. In addition to several collections of poems she also published short stories and was a co-founder of the Browning Society. ‘Beloved, it is morn!’ was set to music by Florence Aylward and digitalised versions of cylinder recordings by tenors Charles Hackett and Harry Anthony are available here.

Beloved, it is morn!

Beloved, it is morn!A redder berry on the thorn,A deeper yellow on the corn,
For this good day new-born.Pray, Sweet, for meThat I may beFaithful to God and thee.

Beloved, it is day!And lovers work, as children play,With heart and brain untired alway:
Dear love, look up and pray.Pray, Sweet, for meThat I may beFaithful to God and thee.

Beloved, it is night!Thy heart and mine are full of light,Thy spirit shineth clear and white,
God keep thee in His sight!Pray, Sweet, for meThat I may beFaithful to God and thee.